IF I can get 2 years out of them, I'll be happy.  If not,  I researched the hell out of this purchase.  There were a few must have features in the original post that went largely ignored in the advice I was receiving, but I expected that.   Everyone has their preferences: comfort, light weight and Vibram soles were my most important ones.  I tried on alot of competitor boots and the Red Wings were by far the most comfortable. I was also limited to $160 by my company.  They sold me these for $159.  $300 boots are out of the question.